When is it better to water plants?

Watering plants-6am or 7pm (zone 7b). Which is better & why?

  6 answers
  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jun 05, 2019

    Watering early in the morning assures that the leaves will dry off before the strong sun can cause sunburn and make sure they have moisture for the heat of the day. Early evening may not be too bad as long as the leaves have a chance to dry off before dark. If they stay wet all night it could open some up problems with the damp conditions allowing viruses, etc. to get a toe hold. After dark is not a good idea for this reason unless absolutely necessary. You want to make sure that your plants have enough moisture for the heat of day so that they don't get too dry. I sometimes have to water potted plants more than once a day (tomatoes at least twice a day) and I live in zone four, at least during the high heat in summer to keep the potted plants hydrated and healthy.

  • Gk Gk on Jun 05, 2019

    Morning is better than evening. The plants will have a chance to dry during the day but will have enough moisture for during a hot day.

  • Little Sprouts Learning Little Sprouts Learning on Jun 06, 2019

    Morning is best to prevent fungus as well.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jun 06, 2019

    Thanks to all for the affirmation. I’ve been getting up and watering before work. A few people told me I should be evening watering. This confirms what I had felt. Thankfully it’s raining this morning, first in 3 weeks.

  • Mogie Mogie on Aug 09, 2020

    The popular belief that watering plants at night is best, is (i’m afraid) wrong.

    Yes, the cool temperatures at night will stop the water from becoming evaporated quickly.

    But the cool temperature at night plus the water are the catalyst for fungi to develop.

    These damp conditions can also be worsened if you live in a climate that has humid nights.